Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new three-hand model in its newly reimagined Escale watch collection.
©LOUIS VUITTON
In spring 2024, Louis Vuitton's Escale watch collection embarked on a journey through the world of artisanal craftsmanship. The inspiration for the Escale Cabinet of Wonders, a trilogy of Métiers d'Art timepieces, came from the collections of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, third-generation head of the Maison's founder.
©LOUIS VUITTON
And now, the Escale has reached its next destination, exploring the panorama of timekeeping within its most basic components: hours, minutes, and seconds. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Escale collection at Louis Vuitton, the Maison unveils a new map of the collection, featuring the first-ever time-only three-hand model. The latest Escale features textured, tactile surfaces, an advanced approach to case design, and refined finishes, while its movement is based on the rich foundations of traditional Swiss watchmaking.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Shared Savoir-Faire
The new three-hand Escale line brings a new dimension to a collection previously exclusively focused on complications, with four new models. Two are rose gold daily models with refined yet understated textured dials, while the other two are platinum models further embellished with ornamental precious stones for a tactile feel. These models add depth to the design approach and reinforce the integration of the Maison's traditions and values within the Fine Watchmaking collection.
©LOUIS VUITTON
The new Escale draws on Louis Vuitton's history and unparalleled savoir-faire in trunk-making. As with other Escales created over the past decade, the lugs are always reminiscent of the Maison's iconic trunks, echoing the brass brackets, angular corners and riveted elements that reinforce Louis Vuitton trunks. These brass reinforcements are also reflected on the dial, which has been completely redesigned to create a fresh, even stronger affinity between the Escale and the Maison's most famous creations. Polished gold indexes with angular rivets are hand-fastened at each quarter, creating a seamless connection between the central dial and the outer scale. The scale itself is accented with gold studs, evoking the rosin screws that line the exterior of Louis Vuitton trunks. A final touch, a satin finish and a slight concave curvature, give the scale exceptional visual texture and legibility.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Incorporating this dial with such an exquisite richness of detail and complexity was no easy task. The tip of the seconds hand on all Escale models is curved to follow the curvature of the dial, minimizing the chance of misreading and ensuring the most accurate reading of the seconds. This precision is powered by the chronometer-certified caliber LFT023. The movement's 50-hour power reserve is guaranteed by energy-efficient solutions, such as the seconds hand being made of titanium rather than gold. A special tool was developed to overcome titanium's high elasticity without leaving any marks on the surface, resulting in a perfectly curved seconds hand that is PVD-coated to match the gold hour and minute hands.
©LOUIS VUITTON
The new dial texture found on the rose gold model mimics the finely grained surface of Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas. A custom dial stamp was developed and refined through trial and error in several materials to perfectly replicate the suppleness and tactility of canvas on the metal dial. The expanse of texture and finish is captivating, as light reflects across the beveled indexes and along the groove separating the central dial and graduations.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Mastery of Craftsmanship
Just below the 12 o'clock hour mark and further below the Louis Vuitton logo, is one word that embodies the new Escale's creative reinvention: "PARIS." Home to the Maison and several of its renowned workshops, Paris is truly the greatest repository of Louis Vuitton savoir-faire. The Escale's improved hands pay homage to Louis Vuitton couture and leather goods. Its delicate form, shaped like a delicately tapered sewing needle, recalls the intricate craftsmanship of the Maison's specialized ateliers, while its precise lines and sharply polished facets reflect the rigor and discipline of master artisans.
©LOUIS VUITTON
The rose gold Escale with a silver dial is presented on a calfskin strap, directly inspired by Louis Vuitton's leather goods expertise. Inspired by Nomade leather, a natural leather first introduced in 1999, this strap will develop a beautiful patina over time, while retaining the comfort and performance of the material, just like the finest Louis Vuitton leather goods. The delicate yellow stitching, reminiscent of classic Louis Vuitton leather goods, highlights the shared craftsmanship and hand-crafted details that bring every Maison creation to life.
©LOUIS VUITTON
The new Escale platinum model elevates the collection with its rare materials and techniques in jewellery and gem setting. One model features a meteorite dial, carefully selected to highlight the contrasting textures and natural mineral hues of this otherworldly material. The other contrasts the fluid brilliance of an onyx central dial with the geometric sparkle of a bezel and case set with baguette-cut diamonds, creating an exquisite halo that draws the eye into the inky depths of the black dial. Both models feature white gold hands and indexes, creating a monochrome symphony of light and shadow that invites discovery and delights the eye.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Each new Escale model features a unique serial number engraved on a slim cartouche (oval nameplate) riveted in contrasting gold around the perimeter of the transparent caseback, evoking the engraved serial number plates that identify Louis Vuitton trunks. When worn, the engraving comes into direct contact with the wrist, creating a sensory connection between the wearer and Louis Vuitton's heritage of craftsmanship.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Design in Motion
Escale is synonymous with Louis Vuitton's core philosophy: the soul of travel. When travel transcends utilitarian objectives and becomes a path of self-discovery, the destination becomes secondary and the journey takes precedence. An escale is more than a stopover; it evokes lasting imaginations and momentary memories, capturing the essence of the soul of travel.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Every aspect of this redesigned Escale is intentional, from the play of finishes on the case to the curvature of the sapphire crystal. The octagonal crown is domed at the tip, echoing the shape of the trunk's rivets, and is adorned with the Louis Vuitton logo. Alternately fluted for easy winding and setting, the crown seamlessly transitions into the satin-brushed case midsection, which in turn transitions into hand-polished and satin-brushed lugs with decorative rivets. Each of these components features a contrasting finish to its neighboring elements, lending the entire watch a purposeful yet organic elegance. These finishes are applied by hand, requiring skilled transitions between techniques to ensure the precise transition from one surface to the next.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Balance is key in bringing together the various textures within the 39 mm case, a diameter chosen for its versatility and ideal proportions on the wrist. The natural dynamic and human aspirations found in movement are embodied through the dial's domed crystal, which flows smoothly into the polished bezel. From the front, the crystal's curvature is barely noticeable, making reading the time extremely easy and clear. On the reverse, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the precisely calibrated and regulated Caliber LFT023 beating within.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Debuting in the 2023 Tambour model, Caliber LFT023 is the first in-house automatic three-hand movement designed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in collaboration with movement specialists Le Cercle de Horloger. Its contemporary look underscores the modernity of the Maison's watchmaking vision, while a commitment to in-house heritage is reflected through the Louis Vuitton motif-adorned barrel cover and 22K rose gold micro-rotor.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Timekeeping performance is essential to the caliber LFT023, and every movement is certified by the Geneva-based chronometer testing agency. This core value of Louis Vuitton fine watchmaking is embodied in the phrase "FAB. EN SUISSE," engraved at the bottom of the dial, a testament to the origin and authenticity of the production.
©LOUIS VUITTON
Mechanically and conceptually new, the Escale is truly an open ticket to self-discovery. Through travel, we discover the world around us. With the Escale, you're sure to find time for yourself.
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has combined innovation and style in distinctive designs, consistently delivering the finest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the creative, elegant, and practical spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton. The story of Louis Vuitton was shaped by boldness. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and fragrances. These meticulously crafted products are testament to Louis Vuitton's dedication to craftsmanship.
©LOUIS VUITTONIn spring 2024, Louis Vuitton's Escale watch collection embarked on a journey through the world of artisanal craftsmanship. The inspiration for the Escale Cabinet of Wonders, a trilogy of Métiers d'Art timepieces, came from the collections of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, third-generation head of the Maison's founder.
©LOUIS VUITTONAnd now, the Escale has reached its next destination, exploring the panorama of timekeeping within its most basic components: hours, minutes, and seconds. To mark the 10th anniversary of the Escale collection at Louis Vuitton, the Maison unveils a new map of the collection, featuring the first-ever time-only three-hand model. The latest Escale features textured, tactile surfaces, an advanced approach to case design, and refined finishes, while its movement is based on the rich foundations of traditional Swiss watchmaking.
©LOUIS VUITTONShared Savoir-Faire
The new three-hand Escale line brings a new dimension to a collection previously exclusively focused on complications, with four new models. Two are rose gold daily models with refined yet understated textured dials, while the other two are platinum models further embellished with ornamental precious stones for a tactile feel. These models add depth to the design approach and reinforce the integration of the Maison's traditions and values within the Fine Watchmaking collection.
©LOUIS VUITTONThe new Escale draws on Louis Vuitton's history and unparalleled savoir-faire in trunk-making. As with other Escales created over the past decade, the lugs are always reminiscent of the Maison's iconic trunks, echoing the brass brackets, angular corners and riveted elements that reinforce Louis Vuitton trunks. These brass reinforcements are also reflected on the dial, which has been completely redesigned to create a fresh, even stronger affinity between the Escale and the Maison's most famous creations. Polished gold indexes with angular rivets are hand-fastened at each quarter, creating a seamless connection between the central dial and the outer scale. The scale itself is accented with gold studs, evoking the rosin screws that line the exterior of Louis Vuitton trunks. A final touch, a satin finish and a slight concave curvature, give the scale exceptional visual texture and legibility.
©LOUIS VUITTONIncorporating this dial with such an exquisite richness of detail and complexity was no easy task. The tip of the seconds hand on all Escale models is curved to follow the curvature of the dial, minimizing the chance of misreading and ensuring the most accurate reading of the seconds. This precision is powered by the chronometer-certified caliber LFT023. The movement's 50-hour power reserve is guaranteed by energy-efficient solutions, such as the seconds hand being made of titanium rather than gold. A special tool was developed to overcome titanium's high elasticity without leaving any marks on the surface, resulting in a perfectly curved seconds hand that is PVD-coated to match the gold hour and minute hands.
©LOUIS VUITTONThe new dial texture found on the rose gold model mimics the finely grained surface of Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas. A custom dial stamp was developed and refined through trial and error in several materials to perfectly replicate the suppleness and tactility of canvas on the metal dial. The expanse of texture and finish is captivating, as light reflects across the beveled indexes and along the groove separating the central dial and graduations.
©LOUIS VUITTONMastery of Craftsmanship
Just below the 12 o'clock hour mark and further below the Louis Vuitton logo, is one word that embodies the new Escale's creative reinvention: "PARIS." Home to the Maison and several of its renowned workshops, Paris is truly the greatest repository of Louis Vuitton savoir-faire. The Escale's improved hands pay homage to Louis Vuitton couture and leather goods. Its delicate form, shaped like a delicately tapered sewing needle, recalls the intricate craftsmanship of the Maison's specialized ateliers, while its precise lines and sharply polished facets reflect the rigor and discipline of master artisans.
©LOUIS VUITTONThe rose gold Escale with a silver dial is presented on a calfskin strap, directly inspired by Louis Vuitton's leather goods expertise. Inspired by Nomade leather, a natural leather first introduced in 1999, this strap will develop a beautiful patina over time, while retaining the comfort and performance of the material, just like the finest Louis Vuitton leather goods. The delicate yellow stitching, reminiscent of classic Louis Vuitton leather goods, highlights the shared craftsmanship and hand-crafted details that bring every Maison creation to life.
©LOUIS VUITTONThe new Escale platinum model elevates the collection with its rare materials and techniques in jewellery and gem setting. One model features a meteorite dial, carefully selected to highlight the contrasting textures and natural mineral hues of this otherworldly material. The other contrasts the fluid brilliance of an onyx central dial with the geometric sparkle of a bezel and case set with baguette-cut diamonds, creating an exquisite halo that draws the eye into the inky depths of the black dial. Both models feature white gold hands and indexes, creating a monochrome symphony of light and shadow that invites discovery and delights the eye.
©LOUIS VUITTONEach new Escale model features a unique serial number engraved on a slim cartouche (oval nameplate) riveted in contrasting gold around the perimeter of the transparent caseback, evoking the engraved serial number plates that identify Louis Vuitton trunks. When worn, the engraving comes into direct contact with the wrist, creating a sensory connection between the wearer and Louis Vuitton's heritage of craftsmanship.
©LOUIS VUITTONDesign in Motion
Escale is synonymous with Louis Vuitton's core philosophy: the soul of travel. When travel transcends utilitarian objectives and becomes a path of self-discovery, the destination becomes secondary and the journey takes precedence. An escale is more than a stopover; it evokes lasting imaginations and momentary memories, capturing the essence of the soul of travel.
©LOUIS VUITTONEvery aspect of this redesigned Escale is intentional, from the play of finishes on the case to the curvature of the sapphire crystal. The octagonal crown is domed at the tip, echoing the shape of the trunk's rivets, and is adorned with the Louis Vuitton logo. Alternately fluted for easy winding and setting, the crown seamlessly transitions into the satin-brushed case midsection, which in turn transitions into hand-polished and satin-brushed lugs with decorative rivets. Each of these components features a contrasting finish to its neighboring elements, lending the entire watch a purposeful yet organic elegance. These finishes are applied by hand, requiring skilled transitions between techniques to ensure the precise transition from one surface to the next.
©LOUIS VUITTONBalance is key in bringing together the various textures within the 39 mm case, a diameter chosen for its versatility and ideal proportions on the wrist. The natural dynamic and human aspirations found in movement are embodied through the dial's domed crystal, which flows smoothly into the polished bezel. From the front, the crystal's curvature is barely noticeable, making reading the time extremely easy and clear. On the reverse, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the precisely calibrated and regulated Caliber LFT023 beating within.
©LOUIS VUITTONDebuting in the 2023 Tambour model, Caliber LFT023 is the first in-house automatic three-hand movement designed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in collaboration with movement specialists Le Cercle de Horloger. Its contemporary look underscores the modernity of the Maison's watchmaking vision, while a commitment to in-house heritage is reflected through the Louis Vuitton motif-adorned barrel cover and 22K rose gold micro-rotor.
©LOUIS VUITTONTimekeeping performance is essential to the caliber LFT023, and every movement is certified by the Geneva-based chronometer testing agency. This core value of Louis Vuitton fine watchmaking is embodied in the phrase "FAB. EN SUISSE," engraved at the bottom of the dial, a testament to the origin and authenticity of the production.
©LOUIS VUITTONMechanically and conceptually new, the Escale is truly an open ticket to self-discovery. Through travel, we discover the world around us. With the Escale, you're sure to find time for yourself.
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has combined innovation and style in distinctive designs, consistently delivering the finest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand remains faithful to the creative, elegant, and practical spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton. The story of Louis Vuitton was shaped by boldness. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and fragrances. These meticulously crafted products are testament to Louis Vuitton's dedication to craftsmanship.
